Ronnie Burns giving families a break
REPORTER: David Richardson
BROADCAST DATE: December 21, 2006
 

Aussie rocker Ronnie Burns has founded a holiday resort for sick or disabled children and their families and is helping them get some time away.

For more than 12 years, Karen Schuler's life has revolved around her disabled son.

Sleep has been hard to come by, let alone a holiday. But she has just taken her first since her son was born.

Karen's long-held wish for a break was finally granted thanks to a respite foundation founded by Aussie rocker Ronnie Burns and his wife Maggie.

"Just a place to regroup, come together as a family and just simply enjoy pleasures like walking in the sunshine, picking a few vegies and relaxing," Maggie said.

Their new Tasmanian hideaway is called Appin Hall, a purpose-built holiday resort for children and families, and a respite centre for children around the world.

Ronnie said the couple saw a need and wanted to help.

"They can grow their own vegetables, drink clean water and it's all part of the healing process, along with music and dance, which is our background" he said.

Alex has an extra 18th chromosome, a condition similar to Down syndrome. He was not expected to live beyond the first weeks of life but he has defied the odds. As has his mother Karen, who is his only full time carer.

"Wouldn't it be nice to live like this and not have the worries and the stress of fighting every day?" Karen said.

"It'd be so nice to just enjoy being Alex's mum, just for once instead of being his nurse, doctor, carer. It's been so nice to enjoy life together."